There are so many people who work hard to make your Big Day as perfect as can be. Yes, they are getting paid, but an additional tip is a classy (and often expected) move. Birkat Elyon, a leader in beautiful cubic zirconia wedding rings, offers this handy guide to tipping your wedding vendors. (First things first: read your contract carefully. Many vendors include gratuities in the price of the service.)
Hair/Makeup: A standard 15-25 percent is expected. Tip them at the end of their service.
Delivery/Setup Staff: For those working to haul in a sound system, wedding cake, chairs, etc. a standard tip of $5-$10 a person is expected. Leave a cash envelope for the catering manager the day before the ceremony.
Officiant: Most expect a donation of $100-$500 to the church/synagogue where the ceremony is held. These fees are paid ahead of the service, although a cash envelope can be delivered at the rehearsal dinner if the officiant is there.
Reception Staff: Many contracts include a gratuity for the banquet manager and maître d’. If not, consider 15-20 percent of the food and drink fee, handed to the maître d’ at the end of the reception
Reception Attendants: Gratuities for waitstaff, bartenders, parking and more are typically in the contract. If service is outstanding, consider 10-20 percent of the liquor/food bill to be split among them.
Wedding Transportation: Although gratuities are usually part of the package, a tip of 15-20 percent of the total bill is appreciated.
Band or DJ: Tipping is optional here. For a band, have one of your attendants hand out $25-$35 per musician; for a DJ, $50-$150.
Another way to show your appreciation is to provide reviews. Ask your vendors which sites they’d like you to post on in their behalf. Photos for their website and portfolio are also a thoughtful option to say, “Thanks for the great job!”